Resistance training may aid smoking cessation

Smokers who want to kick the habit may benefit from weight training, new research suggests.

Scientists at the Miriam Hospital in Rhode Island, US, studied 25 male and female smokers, aged 18 to 65, who smoked at least five cigarettes a day and were keen to quit.

Participants were given a counselling session and an eight-week supply of nicotine patches, and half were assigned to a resistance training group while the others merely watched a health and wellness video twice a week.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The researchers found that people who did weight training were twice as likely to quit as those who did not.

Lead author Dr Joseph Ciccolo, who is based at the hospital's Centres for Behavioural and Preventive Medicine, revealed that fewer than five per cent of smokers are able to quit without help.

He said: 'We need any new tools that can help smokers successfully quit and it appears resistance training could potentially be an effective strategy.'

The findings, which are published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research, could have important implications for the 21 per cent of adults in England who still smoke.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.

Getting healthy just got a whole lot easier

Don't miss out on the latest healthy living news and inspiration direct to your inbox.

Enter your email address:

this is a test error

We will also let you know about discounts and great offers from us, tick this box if you'd rather not know about these.
Hearst Partners would like to let you know about some of their fantastic discounts, special offers, and promotions. We promise you wont be bombarded. Tick here if you would like to receive these.